Training is the engine that powers my life. I have learned to challenge myself, to push beyond my comfort zone, to rise to the adventure, and to relish the suffer. I’ve become more powerful than I ever thought I had a right to be.

I have learned much about myself and others through this endurance lifestyle. I have experienced many extraordinary moments, and I have come to appreciate my body for the amazing machine that it is.

I used to suffer from eating disorders, and I still struggle with poor body image. Endurance sport has helped me move past many of those feelings.

I am blessed with an incredible family support system, which we affectionally call Team U-Crazy. From left: My father-in-law John, my mother-in-law Jeanne (who made the awesome signs!), sister-in-law Tracy, brother Johnny, nephew Jake, husband John, and ham-it-up me!

I am a USAT Certified coach, and along with my husband John, we run No Limits Endurance Coaching. Coaching other athletes has brought a fresh and exciting perspective to my training. Our athletes inspire me every day and have enriched my life in all of the ways! I <3 all of you!

I am an associate professor of Communication Studies at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. I learn from my students every day, and they make my job worth doing.

I am committed to volunteering and engaging in the political process. I believe we must work together to create a society in which social justice prevails.

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12 Comments

Such great stuff Maria. I kinda had to laugh at ya for a second when you refrenced John walking off from you at one of your events. The morning of the Florida Double 2015, I did the EXACT same thing to Wayne. I am always his crew person and that morning he was stressed to the max. I am sharring this blog post with him 😜. Keep on doing what you do!

Hi, great site and great accomplishments. Came across your site using google search engine referencing one of my articles. I am new to blogging but wanted to share. My novice site is http://www.keepinstride.com. (article below enjoy) Keep on running…

Running: A Gateway Drug to Brilliance

A helpful guide to transition your thoughts into brilliant ideas while running

By Gerry Resmondo

Caught up in a web of daily activities, workloads, and general life demands, a stroke of brilliance is intertwined. As a military officer, husband, and father of three, I know all to well how difficult it can be to step away from the hustle of life and focus your thoughts on what will be the next move; possibly the next major decision at work or for your family, and in most cases something as simple as what’s for dinner?

Running is the outlet that allows us to untangle that web, clear our minds and extract that brilliant thought that sets the stage for a successful rest of the day. Most avid runners realize the benefits of running and stress release, achieving that ultimate “runners high”. Once a runner get’s a taste of it they can never turn back and the desire for more increases over time. However, I propose that the “runners high” opens the door for us to capitalize on this moment when all distractions have been dispelled, the tension and stress is released, allowing for us to focus our thoughts on what is important in our own lives. This period of enlightened thought I refer to as “runnerpreneuing” that can only be achieved by a “runnerpreneur”- much like an entrepreneur who is always looking for the newest and innovative product or business model that will accommodate the world’s needs. The “runnerpreneur” focuses his or her thoughts on whatever challenges they may be facing and develops the next best solution in terms of carrying the ball forward. It is at this point that a stroke of brilliance is achieved. To channel your runnerpreneur spirit, you must focus your thoughts using a proven runnerpreneuing model.

Identifying the flavor of the day (miles 1-2)

Maintaining balance requires prioritization of those challenges that are most impactful and that you will have to tackle first. In the military we call these challenges the “50 meter targets”. They are the most dangerous and those that we will come in contact with first (How to deconflict the double booked conference room). Generally, during this first stage of the model you are working out the tightness in your legs and getting into stride, so be patient while forming your thoughts.

Take time to Analyze

Once all the kinks have been worked out and clarity sets in, you can begin to analyze the brevity and severity of the issue you have chosen to tackle. As the endorphins are releasing, so is your desire to prematurely jump to conclusions (I will just reschedule the meetings). However, be warned that jumping to conclusions and not following the complete runnerpreneuing model can be dangerous and result in an undesirable outcome (potential buyers are on a condensed timeline and can only meet with your company during the currently scheduled time, a rescheduling may result in the loss of a potential buyer).

Which course will you take? (miles 3-6)

Much like your struggle with deciding which run route to use each day, the development of two or three different comparative solutions to the problem will increase your ability to decide on a brilliant outcome. Give your self some flexibility to develop a fact based solution. Don’t be surprised if a hybrid of your courses of action are revealed.

Play devils advocate (miles 4-8)

Here is your opportunity to be an expert marksman shooting holes in your solution. Runners are quick to set unobtainable goals based on emotion rather than fact (novice runner setting out to run a marathon without a game plan). Ask yourself several questions to determine if your brilliant idea or solution is valid (Is the solution practical? Feasible? executable based on your capabilities?).

Post run recording

Probably the most brilliant step in the model is to record your thoughts in a daily journal. This can be done in conjunction with the recording of daily exercise results. Additionally, this step becomes even more crucial when you record the actual results of you sharing your brilliant idea or decision.

Amazement

You will be amazed at how useful and addictive combining your running regimen with focus thought can be. Not only will you develop a solution that is sure to impress your co-workers, boss, family , etc., you will also reap the benefits when you quickly realize how far you have actually ran, while simultaneously keeping your mind off the GPS watch and mile markers.

I found your blog through another blog that I follow. I love what I have read so far and am now trying desperately to catch up on everything you did in the years before I found your blog! In the quick glance over, I saw that you knocked 2 1/2 hours off your IMLP time in 3 years! Holy smokes Batman! That gives me crazy hope for the potential I may not even know I have!

Hi Maria, saw an article about you & your husband in the Inquirer so I thought I would check out your blog. Very impressive! I also read the story about your sister’s battle with cancer. I was wondering if you could send me an email at efelicetti@verizon.net. I would love to get back in touch with you guys.

Thanks for getting in touch. If you drop me an email through my contact page at http://www.gary-king.co.uk/contact.html I’ll send you some details about people’s personal stories on my website. Yours looks like a great one to tell.

I came across your blog from google alerts; I work for a non-profit organization called Crossing the Finish Line (we provide respite excursions for adult cancer patients and their loved ones).

We have a Team participating in the Bill Gallagher 10 Mile Island Run in Sea Isle City, NJ in August, and I wanted to let you know of this great opportunity to run 10 miles and fundraise for a great cause! More information can be found at http://www.crossingthefinishline.org. Thanks so much for your time and good luck with your efforts!